Indigo Days

2010-01-13T19:07:00.000-05:00

Protest Prorogation!!

2010-01-13T18:41:00.002-05:00

I am amazed at how many people do not know what Harper has done! Proroguing is a routine part the parliamentary cycle, it is conventionally used by a government to come up with a new agenda, after they have completed, to the best of their ability, the goals set out in the previous throne speech. This is not the case with the current conservative government! They are using prorogation to evade questions on the Afghan detainee cover up scandal and in their haste to run for cover have discarded 36 Bills that were before parliament. Any laws that were in process, with the exception of private members’ bills, have to be introduced again, at the very first step of the process.

Here is a great letter that was written by Political Science Professors from across Canada:

http://www.noprorogation-nonprorogation.ca/

Also,I was interviewed for this article in the Waterloo Chronicle:

http://www.waterloochronicle.ca/news/article/199580

Cheers!

Sweet Heart of Mine

2009-11-20T21:53:00.003-05:00

Her gesture, motion, and her smiles,
Her wit, her voice my heart beguiles,
Beguiles my heart, I know not why,
Enriches life, my heart does Fly.

Check out this Blog...

2009-09-22T12:49:00.002-04:00

My friend Matt and his girlfriend Angela have moved to Taiwan for a year or so, they are adding pictures as they go!

Working Hard for your Money

2009-06-16T20:37:00.005-04:00

Getting some tips from Hard working construction Workers in Kumasi!!

Travelling through Ghana left me with feelings of Guilt when I compared our circumstances in Canada. The poverty was numbing in its appearance and scale. After awhile you almost did not notice it quite as much. I guess you just got used to it.

It is not that people do not want to work, it is that there are not many jobs that pay well. People are doing whatever they can to make a living. Most people derive a substantial part of the income from relatives living abroad. Recently I read that due to the current economic situation across the world foreign remittances have fallen by 16%. Combining this with a drastic currency depreciation of 25% and you can imagine that life is getting a little difficult for people! What would you do if your income fell by 41%!

Oh and don't forget about the price increases of food.

Here are some interesting statistics:

- The World Bank has estimated that the crisis has set back the battle against poverty by seven years, with an additional 44 million children suffering permanent physical or mental impairment because of rising malnutrition last year.
- An estimated 73 to 103 million more people will fall into poverty because of the global economic crisis. .
- The number of hungry people in the world is projected to hit a record this year – more than a billion.

I do not know what I or you can do to make this better. I just had to write about it becuase it makes me feel small.

My Favorite Kid Picture

2009-06-15T21:45:00.004-04:00

We were walking through Patrick's family neighbourhood (Asenemaso)when we took this picture. As we got out of our car we started to hear "Obruni" coming from all over. People were coming out of thier houses to stare at us and the kids started following us as we went from house to house to say hello to what seemed like an unending supply of relatives. You had to be careful walking as it was almost like a path but with rocks and debris where you did not expect it. Lizards scooted out everywhere, some were really beautiful and others were camaflouged nicely against the walls.

The kids in this picture were the bravest!

Family Picture!

2009-05-01T15:28:00.003-04:00

Patricks Father (Samuel Ampofo), Brother (Isaac Akowuah), Patrick and his mother (Marta Achiaah)

New Post

2009-05-01T15:24:00.001-04:00

April 30th, 2009

I cannot believe we have only one more week to go! Time seems to be flying past. We are having a great time. Nicholas is playing with tons of kids and Isabelle is having a ball with walking around without many restrictions...having an walled property is great!
Patrick’s mom had surgery on Tuesday. She has been having serious pain in her back and we are hoping that this will help her to walk better as she has gradually having more difficulty getting around. I am not completely sure on what she had done but it must have to do with her nerves as it was a neurosurgeon that performed the surgery. She had it done at a private hospital for approx. $900. This includes a week’s stay & meals. The surgery went well and now she just has to heal! We visit her in the morning and the evening and Patrick’s sister has been staying with her. She is very strong.

One of Patrick’s old friends took us out for lunch this week as well. He took us to a “western style” restaurant...similar to a food court with a couple of different fast foods. Nicholas loved it! He gobbled his fries down and then proclaimed that this was the best restaurant in the whole world...not just Ghana! I have to admit that I too enjoyed the fries! His friend then took us on a mini tour and then to his home that is almost finished being built. It was a beautiful home and he should be very proud of his accomplishments. From my understanding he started life in a one bedroom home with his 7 siblings. He lived in England for over 30 years and recently started importing goods and re-selling them in Ghana. Standing outside of his home I could not help but be struck by the disparity of the mansion like home and the shack that was its neighbour.

Yesterday we bought our first souvenir...a beautifully carved lion. It is quite large and it stands on its own. Its mouth is open in a fierce growl – Nicholas loves it! We bought it from a man who has a “stall” outside of the Ghana War Museum. He initially asked for 20 Cedis (About $18) and Patrick got him down to $15 Cedis. P has a ball with negotiating....I would have paid double for it in Canada so I was happy either way!

Well, I better get going...time is running out! Sorry about the lack of pic’s...I can only seem to get one up at a time & it takes forever to load!

Lots to say!

2009-04-28T07:52:00.004-04:00

Halfway break on the bumpy ride to Kumasi

We have a bit of a routine now. We sleep in until about 9:00 and then we all have showers and then breakfast is served. Patrick’s brother and his wife Georgina (Yaa) do all of the cooking and cleaning here and it is a strange feeling to not have to worry about anything but keeping my room clean. I asked Patrick why they will not let us do anything and he said that it is normal when people come home for vacations from overseas and that they would do this for anyone....Even so it is still very off putting at times.

After breakfast we usually sit on their beautiful front veranda and Patrick and his parents chat away. Patrick will occasionally stop to translate but I basically just sit and marvel. As we were talking a lady and her two children came through the gate. She had a very large scar that stretched from her eyebrow down to her mouth. I do not think that she could see out of her eye. She had a well used dress on and carried a machete in her left hand. Her children were dressed in very, very simple threadbare shifts. The eldest daughter had her head shaved (as seems to be the custom for young girls) and had a tray of small gathered fruits and peppers balanced on her head; I was struck by her grace as she walked. They were obviously very poor and none of them had shoes on.
Patrick’s father asked her to sit down on the veranda and she gave everyone a small bow before she sat. She had her youngest (a son I think) bring his bag and she took out a small pink gift bag and took out a picture. It turned out to be a picture of Patrick’s father that had been thrown out by accident. One of the children had been going through the garbage and had found it. She wanted to make sure that they had not stolen it from here as she had recognized his picture. They were thanked by both parents and Marta gave the children some food. Patrick said that they live down the road in a shack and that his father gave her about $5 last month for food as they had none. It was a few Cedi’s to buy meat, he gave her more than she asked for so she did not want the children to be causing trouble for them. I have been driving by poverty since I have arrived here but this really put it right in my face. I cried in my room afterwards at the scale of the poverty and the grace and kindness that is shown.
Last night Isaac took us to an open air bar/restaurant. I think he wanted to show us off to his friends....the music was really nice but as it got darker there were only 2 lights and everything seemed very dim and kind of intimidating. I was glad when we left...I am such a baby!
In the evenings after dinner (which has been delicious - every meal!) we again sit and chat on the porch or the patio. It has been wonderful to see Patrick so happy talking with his parents. I do not think his smile has dimmed a watt since we got here. Isabelle still will not let anyone pick her up (but she will let them feed her HAHA) and Nick is trying to be helpful for his grandparents.

After his parents and the kids are sleeping we slip outside of the gates and sit. I smoke my ass off (this is usually the only time I can) and enjoy the breeze...Patrick and Isaac usually have a Guiness. Where we sit is maybe 10 feet from the start of what looks to me like jungle -but I could be wrong! As I was enjoying my second smoke in probably as many minutes I could hear singing from far away. As it was quite late I was not sure why...Isaac said it was a church about a mile away and that they do this for all hours. He said he pities the people who live near them! There are a lot of churches here!

Sunday was a big day for the Ashanti region. It was the 10th (Golden)anniversary of the King's reign and as we were driving around we saw people drumming and having fun. It was in the Kumasi Stadium and was carried live on TV.
We also went to Obuasi to visit Patrick's Uncle. It was about an hours drive from Kumasi. He is an electrical engineer for Ashanti Gold Mines. They live in a lovely area that is provided for the workers to live in. There were big giant trees that made the area really cool. It was really nice to see everyone and Nick again had fun playing soccer with more cousins!

Well, Better get going...I am going to try and post some more pictures! I am at a different Cafe and it seems to be a little faster.

Danielle

Sorry Pictures not uploading..

2009-04-21T13:48:00.000-04:00

I will try at a different Cafe next time.

Finally Here!

2009-04-21T13:33:00.002-04:00

Had a rather uneventful plane ride...Nick loved it and Isabelle did not sleep a wink! I lucked out as she would only have Patrick hold her! She has been like that the whole trip...everyone is laughing about her "DADDY, DADDY, DADDY!". As soon as we stepped off the plane I was bowled over by the heat!!! It is incredibly hot and it does not help that the power goes off all of time.

We spent 3 days in Accra with Patrick's brother Philip, his wife Becky and two children. It was lots of fun and they all spoke English...which was a bonus!!! We hired a car to drive us up to Kumasi on Monday and it was 4 REALLY BUMPY Hours! I will never complain about our potholes again....We arrived in Kumasi and we were formally introduced to his Parents. They have a Beautiful home and everything is going well. I am even getting kind of used to everyone staring at us and sayign "Obruni, Obruni!" (White Person!) Everything is very loud here and it seems like everyone is selling something from thier tiny little shops that are really huts.

Well, I only have a few more minutes and I want to upload some pictures. I will try to be more descriptive next time.

One More Day!

2009-04-15T19:53:00.003-04:00

I can not believe it but we are flying out tomorrow! It seems like the time has come so fast! I will try to post something every couple of days. I am hoping to get some great pictures that I will be able to share with you!

Here is a basic map of Ghana.

We will be landing in Accra and will be spending 2 days in the capital city. Will will then drive 3-5 hours to Kumasi.

Well, wish me luck with our plane rides...this will be the hardest part!

Ghana here we come!

2009-03-24T23:01:00.003-04:00

Getting excited now! We recieved our Visa's for entry into Ghana! Official travel date is April 16th and we will arrive on the 17th! Not sure why this makes it feel so real! The suitcases lining the hall should have done it weeks ago...I will write more later. Check out this website if you are looking for info on Ghana.

www.ghanaweb.com

P.S Guess I must have been totally depressed by the damn election! Can not believe how long I have been away :-)

Where my Liberals At?

2008-10-04T11:39:00.007-04:00

...Missing In Action

Last night as I was driving home from work I was shocked to find that my neighborhood had been covered in Conservative signs. Every corner I turned there were new lawn signs! From one or two the day before there were 20-30 now. I had seen a conservative walking the neighbourhood the day before with her flyers in hand and she has obviously been very effective. With every corner I turned my mind raced faster and my grip on the wheel got tighter...where the hell are the liberals!

The only ads I hear are on CBC and when I called in for a lawn sign it took them almost 2 weeks to get it out to me. I have not seen any liberals in my area and to be honest I think there are more green signs than Liberal. This does not seem like serious campaigning to me...Are they trying to lose this election? I do not know...all I know is that I am not feeling the excitement of elections past just dread lurking in the back of my brain.

Are you more Conservative?

2008-09-14T11:30:00.004-04:00

Steven Harper remarked on Saturday that Canadians had come to embrace "small-c" conservative values since he got into politics....and that "the Canadian public has become more conservative," never mind that 60% of the electorate disagrees with most of his policies! He is trying to re-make the Canadian public into his right wing image!

As a liberal minded woman I believe in the following...

- Women should make their own choices relating to their body.
- Huge tax cuts to the wealthy and big business is not the way to go when thousands of people are losing their jobs.
- Our public health care system should stay public
- The separation of Church and State is a good thing
- That there is Global Warming and we need to do more than just talk about it!

If you believe as I do that our unique social policies make us a great country to live in and that instead of enacting a right wing agenda of slash and burn cuts to fund the wealthy we should do more for our fellow citizens in need; Don't Vote Conservative.

It's that simple.

The Politics of Lies and Smears

2008-09-12T23:19:00.010-04:00

Kaptoon (Sept. 7, 2008)

In Canada we are in the midst of another surprise election. Harper has managed to break one of his key election promises and has forced us to watch a campaign that no one wanted.

I cheer for Elizabeth May and her entry into the debates; but also realize that her success will be most likely result in the Liberal's losing seats to the Conservatives. I could rant on and on about negative, misleading ads that have been put out by the conservatives (need I say more than puffin?), but I every time I look at Harper in one of his new sweater vests I want to be sick!! After seeing one of his ads I was so incensed that I actually decided to join the Liberal Party. Wondering if I will actually get a card in the mail? I am finally a card carrying member of something other than my bank!

If you are as sick as I am than put your money where your mouth is and join the party of your choice!

Go Liberals! www.liberal.ca

If you are like me than you have been fascinated by the American election. I have not been able to turn away as I have been in awe of the depths to which the Republicans have sunk and that they are leading in the polls AMAZES me! I mean they are lying through their expensively bleached teeth and nobody in the media seems to call them on it.

Palin is creepy and scary and McCain has been corrupted so completely that I am surprised anyone recognizes him.

Crap how are we going to survive a whole season of this?

Mugabe maintains grip on power

2008-07-01T01:14:00.007-04:00

Another tragic election has taken place in Africa.

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has through force and intimidation won another election. This is his 6th term (or 28th year!)in power.

The opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai had previously won the first round in March but had not been allowed to campaign for the run-off. He was arrested at least five times in June while 30,000 of his supporters were displaced in a wave of violence allegedly perpetrated by ruling ZANU PF militias. Human rights groups say more than 80 people have been killed and 1,300 wounded. Days before the election Mr. Tsvangirai fled to the Danish Embassy for protection and officially withdrew from the race as he said that the danger to his life and his supporters was too great to continue.

While I am normally not a supporter of our Conservative government I was glad to see that Canada is officially condemning President Robert Mugabe's government as "illegitimate and illegal" and is imposing sanctions following the country's widely discredited election.

The newly minted Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister David Emerson announced the sanctions hours after the longtime ruler was sworn in during a ceremony Sunday, two days after the one-candidate, presidential run-off election.

The following sanctions will immediately take effect:

* Restricting travel, work and study of senior members of Zimbabwe's government within Canada.
* Banning Zimbabwe-registered aircraft from landing in or flying over Canada.
* Summoning the ambassador of Zimbabwe to Canada to convey Canada's position.

I believe that the sanctions should go much farther but this as a start. Sanctions that are aimed at the government members and their families are much better than ones that go after the whole country, i.e food/aid sanctions.

I have also been watching with some disgust the pansying of the AU (Afican Union) leaders at their summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Eygpt. There has been almost nothing bad said about this with the exception of 1 or 2 leaders.

On Canada Day this makes me especially thankful to live in such a free society.

HAPPY CANADA DAY EVERYONE!

Isabelle's Naming Ceremony

2008-06-23T13:13:00.005-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Well, after weeks of waiting we finally had the naming ceremony. It was a ggreat time and I think it is safe to say that everyone had lots of fun! Our thanks to everyone for coming and helping us celebrate Isabelle.

She was given her traditional name of "Abena Achiaah".

For those of you who could not make it please have a look at the slide show! I am trying to get the video online but it is taking some time! If you would like me to email to you I can. It is just a video of the actual ceremony.

Visit this link for the pictures!

http://picasaweb.google.com/dee90909/IsabelleSNamingCeremony

Parents of Abandoned Infant Arrested

2008-05-23T13:14:00.005-04:00

Several months ago a baby approximately 7-8 months was left on a cold stairwell in a Toronto parking garage. A man was caught on a grainy video throwing her to the ground like a piece of garbage. After 2 hours in the -14 degree Celsius weather she was found face down bleeding slightly from cuts to her face by a passerby who just happened to noticed a tiny cry.

Two people were arrested in Kitchener yesterday. They are 30 years old, married with 3 other children. They moved from North York last month. Each face four charges: criminal negligence causing bodily harm; assault causing bodily harm; abandoning a child; and failing to provide the necessities of life

I don't know why but this news story hit me very hard when it happened. You hear of horrible things happening to children everyday and it seems to me that I have been blocking all these images out of my mind. However, perhaps because there was video of the man throwing her to the ground, or, because the picture of her was so eerily similar to my own new born daughter I felt sickened, upset, horrified and more. That someone could do this to their own child when there are so many options available just breaks my heart. Tonight I will hold my children close.

Here is a link to the globe report:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20080523.CHILD23/TPStory/TPNational/Ontario/

Farm Workers Second Class Citizens?

2008-05-21T21:43:00.004-04:00

Farm workers in Ontario are currently barred from unionizing in Ontario. They are currently attempting to show the Supreme Court that it violates their rights and should be thrown out as unconstitutional.

These workers in Ontario, many of whom are visible minority immigrants, have never had the right to strike. They did, briefly, gain the right to bargain collectively under the former NDP government of then-premier Bob Rae and the UFCW successfully organized 200 workers at a mushroom factory in Leamington, Ont. However, as soon as Mike Harris was elected in 1995, the conservatives reinstated the union ban and forced them back to court.

I think it is important to note that we are not talking about family farms anymore. Farming has become big business and most farm workers in the province can be found in mushroom production, greenhouses and hatcheries, which even Ontario's labour relations board has found are "factory-like'' and no different from a "typical manufacturing plant.'' These companies are making millions of dollars and are treating their employees like second class citizens. While the government would like you to believe that this could somehow put our food chain at risk the union has stated that it is not seeking the right to strike and does not want to open the door to food disruptions; they say they would accept binding arbitration rather than the right to strike to settle any disputes.

I think it is time for all of our workers to be treated fairly. Google this topic and if you feel the same write a letter to your MPP.

Veggie Farming - From our factory to your kitchen
Who Knew?

I want one!!

2008-05-19T00:10:00.006-04:00

Ok, OK I am JEALOUS! Watching the rise of Obama makes me slightly envious and a little annoyed at the lack of excitement in the Canadian landscape. Seriously, can you imagine 70,000 people going to watch Harper or Dion? NO WAY!

My little political secret is that the last time I was excited about Canadian politics was during the 1997 election when I volunteered for a local Liberal MP. I was the person who called you and asked if you were going to support the liberals and by the way do you need a drive? I was totally caught up in excitement and even managed to shake Chretien's hand at a rally. Contrary to popular opinion he was an awesome public speaker. I really, really, really miss those days.

Yuck, how did we get here anyways? All I feel nowadays is a persistent feeling of dread and the impending sense of doom brought on by repeated news of the heavy handed tactics of King Harper AKA Bush Lite.

Happy May Two-Four!

2008-05-18T23:52:00.004-04:00

Hope everyone is enjoying the holiday weekend! Although it has been a little cold and windy I was able to get some gardening done!

Did you know that the Victoria Day Weekend is the Canadian Statutory weekend that celebrates the birthday of Queen Victoria. She was the first sovereign of a confederated Canada. During the holiday the Union Jack is flown along with the National Flag at federal buildings, airports, military bases and other federal buildings and establishments within Canada, from sunrise to sunset, to mark this day. While most Canadians could care less about the birthday of a long dead Queen, they care more for the day off! I raise a glass to her (filled with beer of course!) and enjoy the fireworks and the sense of community that seems to explode around me during long weekends.

Doesn't she look fun?

Irena Sendler Dies at 98

2008-05-13T00:13:00.005-04:00

A great hero has died. Irena Sendler who was credited with saving over 2500 children from the warsaw ghetto during the war passed away at the age of 98.

Using the pretext of inspecting sanitary conditions in the ghetto, Irena and a team of about 25 people would smuggle children and babies out. Hiding them in baskets, or sometimes even wrapping them as packages they would smuggle them out in ambulances or trams. She was eventually caught in 1943 and was arrested and tortured by the Gestapo.
She only escaped execution when the Zegota organization managed to bribe some Nazi officials, who then left her unconscious but alive with broken legs and arms in the woods.

Irena Sendler was among the first to be honoured by Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial as a Righteous Among Nations for her wartime heroism. She was also later made an honourary Isreali citizen. Sendler was almost forgotten in her Poland until recently when she came to the world's attention in 2000 when a group of schoolgirls from Uniontown, Kan., wrote a short play about her called "Life in a Jar." This play has been performed in the US, Canada and Poland.

Reading about this woman has made me feel small and yet hopeful. I can not imagine being so brave in the face of such horror. Saving so many is mind boggling. Could I or you have done this?

Quit Already!

2008-05-07T16:59:00.003-04:00

I can't take it anymore! Please just go away before the whole democratic party explodes! When it first started I have to admit I did want you to win but your campaign suffers from foot in mouth disease and you just keep digging the hole deeper. Please just go away.

Sorry had to do it, driving me crazy.

Rainy Days

2008-05-07T16:29:00.005-04:00

Anyone a Mystery fan? I love mysteries specifically series style that focus on one detective. For the longest time I preferred English series. You know, Minette Walters, Colin Dexter, Ian Rankin etc. Recently I have discovered a great new publisher that has introduced me to authors from around the world. The series have been set in Australia, Sweden, Laos and even some from Canada. My favorites so far are Henning Mankell & Colin Cotterill. If you love quality writing that keeps you reading through the night check out this website.

http://www.mysterybooks.ca/features/worldofcrime/books.html

When I lived by myself I had all of my books lined up in alphabetical order by author, and it gave me such pleasure seeing them there, knowing they were just waiting to take me somewhere. Now, I am in desperate need for new bookshelves, my books are in boxes, bags and everywhere; It drives me freaking crazy. Somebody get me a house with a library...My life would be complete!

I have always loved reading and easily read through the day and night if I find a book that I love. Of course, now that I have children reading is not as easy to get to as it once was! I really cherish the times when the kids are asleep and the house clean enough to give me a couple of hours to lay on the couch with my mind in another world. P always says that if I could only set my mind to reading Non-Fiction books (you know, the ones that teach you something) I could be amazingly knowledgeable. I don't know about you but the very thought gives me shivers. I read to get away from reality not sink further into it!! I hear enough every day about what a crappy world we live in that my mind could not possibly focus on more. I hate the how to books and books where people wax on about how amazing they are.

Well, it is pouring rain outside so I better get going as I happen to have the brand new Donna Leon novel and it is calling my name.

Busy Spring

2008-05-01T11:24:00.002-04:00

With Spring now here in full force...well, it's still cold but I have been able to ignore it thus far, I have been busy...need to get back to writing on this more often! There is so much that I could talk about...The Conservatives trying to sneak through the new immigration bill as a rider on a budget bill that would give the immigration Minister huge powers...sneaky, creepy jerks....Rev. Wright helping to implode Obama's campaign...bad timing for him or what!.. Ontario losing jobs like never before and the possibility of us becoming a have not province for the very first time....Thank you George Bush for wrecking the US economy & killing our manufacturing base!

Anyways, I need to think about these things and will write more in the coming days!

Enjoy the Spring even if you are wearing your winter coat!

Favorite Quotes

2008-03-25T13:07:00.004-04:00

Came across this quote watching a movie with my son.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

by Marianne Williamson from A Return To Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles

And I just love this one:

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

Nelson Mandela

2008-03-19T22:52:00.008-04:00

American News outlets have hit a new low. Not able to find any dirt in Obama's closet they have decided to go after not what he has done but what he has heard.

In my humble opinion I would like a leader who has been exposed to a variety of viewpoints; not one who can only see white and black and who is blind to the thousands of greys in the spectrum. Do Americans really want a leader who tamely goes to a nice little church that does not have its followers question the world? Have they not had enough of these politicians! How many escort users and airport bathroom frequenters do they have to elect!!

OK, OK, as a Canadian I admittedly have no idea what is going through the head of an average American. However, I am often amazed at how many of my American friends & co-workers feel the need to tell me of their approval of my "bi-racial" family. "Danielle, you know, I have no problem with it" has come from their mouths and often before I know them more than a day! I seriously can not remember a single Canadian friend saying the same thing. Race must be such a huge thing for them and I have no comprehension as to what that must be like. So sad to live with that.

I listened to an interview with Madeline Albright today. She has a new book (Memo to the President Elect...) out and although political books rarely interest me I am actually thinking of buying it. I admire her and have enjoyed listening to her and have imagined how different the world would be today if she had stayed on.

Note to the future: When time travel happens can we please, please, please do something about the George Bush Presidency!

On a different note: I have been following the horrific case of Brenda Martin. She is the woman who was imprisoned in Mexico over 2 years ago and who has yet to see a trial. It is appalling that the Harper government has taken so long to act. Now that the media has its teeth into it hopefully they will move faster and get her home. - Call or write your MP.

The number of Canadians who have had horrific times in Mexico is scary. I will never, ever go there for a vacation unless there is some major house cleaning done in the justice system. Did you know that in Mexico you are GUILTY before proven innocent! What a system!

Power to the People!

2008-03-04T23:08:00.002-05:00

Yee hah!

Everyone hold your breath....my ordeal with Revenue Canada is almost over!! After waiting a little over 12 weeks for someone from the CRAto return my numerous calls I finally went into my MP's office to complain. I typed up a nice letter and printed a copy of my log that I have been keeping and traveled to a part of Kitchener that I have never been too and actually found some help! After explaining my situation the lady fired off a fax and told me that she would call me as soon as she found out anything...a couple of hours later she called to tell me that her contact at CRA was looking into it and would call her back after the weekend! Today she called to tell me that they would call me sometime this week...

Mid Afternoon and I nearly fell off my seat when call display said Government of Canada...could it be? It was!! The lady said that she had reviewed my receipts and decided that they were in the wrong and in a mere 6-8 weeks everything should be back to normal. She even gave me a phone number where I could reach her should I have any questions...that's right...contrary to public belief (and the tax help line) assessors DO have phones!

Well, there you go folks. Democracy in action...having a Member of Parliament actually can help you!

Use less Energy & Save Money!

2008-02-25T16:56:00.002-05:00

If you are like me you feel a vague unease about the state of the Environment and feel a little useless in the grand scheme of things! We compost and recycle but I know that we could still do more! Here are a couple of things that I have done that can help save energy AND money!

Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs
The average home has approximately 35 incandescent light bulbs. If you replace all of your bulbs you can cut your costs in half!

Compact fluorescent light bulbs use about 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 10 times longer. When replacing incandescent lights choose a fluorescent bulb with a quarter of the wattage of the incandescent in order to get the same quality. You can save $3.27/bulb/year by replacing a 60W incandescent bulb with a 15W fluorescent bulb. If all 35 bulbs in a house were replaced there would be a $114.45 savings. While fluorescent bulbs may cost more initially they save you money in the long run with lower bills and fewer replacements. By using less electricity fluorescent bulbs also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. I purchased a whole bunch of bulbs over a year ago and I have not had to replace one!

Invest in a programmable thermostat
Programmable thermostats are inexpensive to buy (about $45), easy to install and an excellent way to reduce your energy bill. They automatically change the temperature of your house to coincide with your household's schedule. At times when everyone is away, it can be set to turn down the heat. In the evening it can turn the heat up again before you get home. At night, while your family sleeps, it can lower the temperature until it's time for your household's morning routine. The most energy efficient temperature settings are a difference between 4ºC home and away settings. For every degree the automatic thermostat lowers your heating level, you'll save 3% on your heating bill. It's a "set and forget" solution that adds up to big savings.

Stop unnecessary idling
Stopping unnecessary vehicle idling is a relatively easy way to contribute to improved air quality and respiratory health in our communities. It will also translate into lower fuel costs for you in the long run. With the price of gas these days every little bit counts!

Ananse - The Spider Trickster

2008-02-11T08:36:00.000-05:00

In trying to keep my son interested in reading and myself not bored to death by princess stories I recently bought "The Pot of Wisdom" by Adwoe Badoe. It is a collection of 10 tales featuring the Ghanaian spider trickster "Ananse" (ANON SAY). The eight-legged trickster is clever and foolish in equal measure, often finding the tables turned on him. For those of you who are not familiar with Ananse he plays a large part in Ghanaian folk lore and stories featuring him are commonly told to children as the tales deal with important issues like justice, money, food, marraige, vanity, and self-respect.

This is a nice addition to your library no matter what culture you come from. I am enjoying reading them and this book has become a favorite night time read of Nicky's! One negative is that I would have prefered more of the beautiful pictures and maybe a few less stories as the tales are long. Adwoe is based in Guelph and has published several childrens books but this is the only one currently in print.

Meet my Arch Nemesis

2008-02-08T13:26:00.000-05:00

OK It is official! I am ready for spring! This last week has given our area about 40 inches of snow. At first I was loving it, thinking that getting out in the snow would be a great complimentary exercise to my treadmill! Soon my arms would rival Teal'c on Stargate SG-1... It would be great!

I was out 3 times shoveling in one day and the first couple of times I has the driveway and sidewalks perfectly clear, unfortunately the snow continued to fall and eventually I had to borrow my neighbour's snow plow as my arms had begun to give out...I could barely lift the shovel but the snow kept coming.

The street plow has become my enemy; I swear it is out to get me...Chunks of ice the size of my head are not lightweight and driving out of your driveway before shoveling actually presses the snow tighter together thus making it heavier, harder and that much more time consuming.

Today after dropping Nicky off at the bus I attempted to rid my driveway of the latest delivery by my arch-nemesis. Isy was sleeping in her stroller so I was sure I could get it all done. Well, I am happy to say there is now a hole at the bottom of the driveway that I can fit the van through...sure the driveway is half it 's normal size but hey, I can get out and that's all that matters.

THE PONDERING YEARS

2008-02-05T12:47:00.000-05:00

I ponder now, great things I see

Like gummy bears and trucks with wheels

And sounds I make, like a dinosaur,

a growling lion, a snarling bear.

It’s difficult for me to see that

connections really do exist;

that consequence falls into view

and certain things I just don’t get.

Did you know Nana’s fish don’t like champagne,

or Daddy’s walls, my paint?

I really thought I could ride those stairs

but am comforted as I explore my lair

and get to bump and rant and fall and sprawl

on table tops and things too tall.

So, remind me again that several eggs, when they fall,

will make mommy frown while she ponders me anew.

But teach me, please, that clothes don’t like pens

and books don’t like rips and that I can’t walk on the road.

Because I ponder now and great things I see

and need to know there are watchful eyes on me

to help me through this toddler time,

these pondering years of mine.

Heather Reynolds

Easter Sunday 2006

God is wearing Green today

2008-02-04T11:10:00.001-05:00

I am not a religious person and while I sometimes feel bad that I have not given my children religious instruction it is simply not in me to give. The pope, religious Jihads and a catholic education have left me with an aversion to it all, an emptiness. It is not that I do not believe in God, I do, I think, it is that I do not believe in religion...does this make sense?

It makes me happy that my son has his sweet belief in God; sometimes he will come out with lines like "God is wearing Green today," or sing songs straight from a jubilation choir and it pleases me to know that he believes in it all. I am happy that after searching for what seemed the elusive perfect child care provider that I found Joy and that she gave him her love for God. It was a beautiful gift and I wish that everyone could have his innocent belief.

BRRR!!

2008-01-31T00:48:00.000-05:00

It is Bone chilling, skin freezing cold here in Ontario. The wind in some parts has gotten up to 80Km! At least I am not in the Prairies where some parts are -40c. I can not imagine being in that weather.

I am annoyed at the Toronto District School Board; today they passed a resolution to open a "Black focused school" by 2009 and while I believe thier hearts are in the right place I think that you need to address the root problems of why 40% of Black kids do not graduate! Poverty, Single Parent households and unsafe neighbourhoods are not a great combination for success. Why can they not focus on black history and culture in all schools? Can we not make all schools better? Is segregation really an answer? Geez.

Don't think I have mentioned this before but our house is full of raptors fans...we were very happy to watch the game tonight where they decimated the wizards 122-83. They are now 5th in the Eastern Conference. Dixon had 12 points - need I say more!

There is even a rumour going around that T.J Ford will be back in practices soon. This is good news as how long can Calderon keep up the amazing performances.

I took the kids to get pictures done today. Nick was in a most foul mood until the camera started clicking. I swear he could be a model. Isy was perfect.

Hope in Kenya?

2008-01-30T00:35:00.001-05:00

Not much to report on the home front today. I was happy to see that Kofi Annan is in Kenya meeting with Kibaki and Odinga. Hopefully a solution will be mediated soon. While watching this on the news today I was so angry at Kibaki. How can a person want power so badly that he would rig the election and allow his country to fall into this state? What is wrong with people!!

One fact I bet you did not know about Kofi...he was born on a Friday. In Ghana where he originates people are commonly named after the day that they are born on. I asked a friend what my name would be and was disappointed to find out that a Thursday born woman is the not so fancy sounding "Yaa".

Election Day can not come soon enough!

2008-01-29T10:46:00.000-05:00

I love this picture of Obama.

I don't think I could handle another Republican administration. At the very least whoever wins will be better than the previous administration! P watched the "State of the Union" Address last night but the very sound of Bush's voice made me cringe. He has accomplished nothing! Well, to be honest he has destroyed the American economy and made hundred's of thousands miserable around the world. I suppose that should count for something.

I hope whoever wins will focus on Africa. It is unbelievable what is happening in Kenya. Today one of their politicians was assassinated and things are spiralling out of control. I hope that the people in Ghana are watching this and that their election this year will be a peaceful success.

If you are interested in news about Ghana visit this website:

http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/

Revenue Canada Rant

2008-01-24T00:50:00.000-05:00

Have you ever E-Filed your taxes? It seems so easy, file the taxes from the comfort of your home computer and if they need any of your receipts they send you a letter and you mail them in!

Wow, what a time saver! No more fiddling around with a calculator for me!

Oops! Revenue Canada sometimes misses the critical step of asking you for your receipts before re-assessing! The brains at the tax office have decided that my 3 year old was able to watch himself while I was at work! Therefore my Childcare Expenses are "False" and I now owe them alooooooooooooottttt of money!

Here are some of my favorite customer service lines:

- Someone will call you back in a week (x2)
- Someone from the London office will call you in 72 Hours
- You need to speak with the person in Summerside
- The person who assesses your taxes does not have incoming phone service
- There is only one person who assesses all of the taxes in Canada so he is VERY BUSY
- This should be resolved in 4 weeks
- Oops we meant 8 weeks
- Well, really it is 12 weeks minimum
- If you are not satisfied ask to speak with the supervisor next time you call!
- Oh, sorry the supervisor said they can not help you and will not talk with you
- Don't worry this will not affect your credit rating if you pay on time

And my all time favorite:

- I have no idea if we received any mail from you, there is really no way to tell!

YIKES!

Welcome to my Blog

2008-01-23T15:53:00.000-05:00

WOW

Welcome to Indigo Days.

I am still unsure as to what exactly I will have in the Blog, please feel free to comment or add as you like.